The Orlando Magic boast one of the league’s deepest rosters, featuring not only one of the youngest starting lineups but also a wealth of youthful depth off the bench, players who are integral to the team’s long-term plans for Finals contention.
Two of those young players are former 2023 lottery picks Anthony Black and Jett Howard, each having made different impacts early in their Magic careers. Black has carved out a more meaningful role so far, showing steady growth and versatility on both ends of the floor. Still, with team president Jeff Weltman making it clear that Orlando is now in win-now mode, development opportunities will only come to those who can immediately help the team win.
“They've both looked good the last couple of weeks,” Weltman said during media day. “They're both obviously very young, and I think their future is way in front of them. But, you know, two different guys, two different skill sets, and so I think that each one of them really had a great summer, and AB looked really good in our open gyms. I think, starting to come into his own. But we have to remember he's 21, and Jett has also come back, grown up, matured, and those guys, I think these are obviously big years for them, in addition to on the court, off the court, has as you guys know the timings.”
Black is viewed as one of Orlando’s X-factors heading into the 2025-26 season, competing for a sixth man role off the bench where he can utilize his defense and finishing ability while showcasing the offensive strides he’s made over the offseason.
“As far as what to expect from them this year,” Weltman added. “One of the things that we set out to do this year was kind of turn the corner, and so we've talked a lot about the difficulty of, kind of like running two races, trying to develop players as your kind of North Star and win games.”
“It hasn't always been easy. It's been a little bumpy sometimes, but that's just kind of like what you embrace when you go through that. We're kind of like turning the corner on that, and the guys that can help us win will play. This is a much different perspective as we enter the season, and I think it's honestly simplified for a lot of our guys. If you're ready to help us win, you're going to get on the court.”
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